Did you know active or retired members of the U.S. Military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard are eligible for some amazing discounted resort rates at Walt Disney World? Spouses of Military Service Members also qualify these these discounts too (they need to able to present valid and active U.S. Military IDs in the absence of active Military Personnel)!
Military members who are active duty or retired can book up to three rooms at the Disney resorts for up to 40% off (there are blackout dates like Spring Break). I know those eligible are tempted to stay at the military resort, Shades of Green. I have stayed there- I get it. Rooms are big, it is clean, it is cheap, etc. However, there are wonders of staying on property. Disney’s Magical Express if flying (even if driving, you pay per day to park at Shades of Green) and Disney’s resort transportation is better if you have a stroller. There many advantages of any of Disney’s dining plans if you stay in a Disney Resort too. Shades of Green offers a dining plan but it’s for a single restaurant there with a nightly rotation to their buffet, not as magical (but delicious, I have eaten there too). FastPass+ at Shades of Green is the same as off property, 30 days. And you’d have to buy MagicBands if you want them. Just more reason to stay on property. Walt Disney World and Disneyland military discounts are released each year. So they are out now for all of 2016 – that is until their end date sometime a week before Christmas. Check with your travel agent for the exact dates and blackouts.
As far as Theme Park tickets: you have to purchase them at your military post or Shades of Green to get them tax free. Each active duty or retired military member can get 6 (six) Hero Salute tickets for $192 a person. Is there more than one military member in the travel party? If not the rest of the tickets will just be military discount tickets and that’s not a lot off. Many people think the military member and their spouse can each get 6. The details say OR, not and. So a family cannot get more. The only exception I’ve heard of is when they have more than 4 kids. Hero Salute tickets are 4 day park hoppers OR 4 day base ticket with waterparks add on. Or for a slightly higher price you can get all the options.
Another advantage to staying n Disney Resort? You can work with a trusted Travel Agent (Travel Agents cannot reserve rooms at Shades of Green)! Your agent get the military discounted rooms and add a dining plan so you have a package. You will have to get the specially priced military tickets. Disney won’t even add tickets or offer them when doing a military room because of the agreement set up with the military. That said, your Travel Agent can help you plan, set up any reservations you might need, etc.
